As kids across Southwest Queensland get ready for a good night’s sleep for Christmas Eve, Santa Claus is getting his sleigh ready to travel into the Maranoa Region.

And the Roma Airport’s Christmas happiness officer (CHO) has secured a travel and quarantine exemption for the jolly old man, but he’ll have to follow a few special rules.

The conditions of his approval are as follows, according to Maranoa Regional Council:

• Presents must only be delivered to good children that are in bed early on Christmas Eve
• Social distancing must be maintained when dining on milk and biscuits
• Single use gloves must be worn when delivering presents and disposed of correctly following use
• Masks must be worn by Santa and all reindeer, excluding Rudolph due to the safety critical lighting in use

The Roma Airport will provide Santa with necessary sanitising equipment for his arrival and departure.

The Maranoa Regional Council is also thanking residents for their support in making this year’s Christmas operation a success.